BFC out of contract players in 2022

[tiger76]

We have the following coming to the end of their present deals next summer.

Phil Bardsley
Ashley Barnes (club has the option of another year)
Aaron Lennon
Ben Mee (who apparently has the option of another year should he want it.
Erik Pieters
Jay Rodriguez
Dale Stephens
James Tarkowski
Matej Vydra

Simple who would you keep and why. of course there's always the possibility that the player might not want to stay.

I'd release Bardsley (he might well hang up his boots at the end of this campaign anyway, and perhaps go into coaching, has he been taking his badges does anyone know.)

Barnes I'd let go also, unless he seriously starts showing something in the next few months, he's been a brilliant signing for the fee we shelled out for him, but as we saw with Sam Vokes father time catches up with everyone. (He'd be a good signing for many Championship clubs given his experience at that level)

Lennon is another one who I'd be letting go, (I assume he's just a short term fix, and if Cornet does as well as we all hope, his 1st team stints will be limited)

Rodriguez is another who I'd sadly be saying goodbye too, he's done pretty well since his return, but last season he never looked up to speed, and like Barnes the PL is beyond him now, again he'd be a great pick-up for a number of Championship clubs.

Stephens to no-one's surprise is yet another who I'll happily wave goodbye too, he was a cheap signing, mainly as cover, but now Brownhill has really stepped up to the plate, Stephens is a wage we could save on, and alas for him he's been constantly plagued by injuries throughout his Burnley career.

The ones I'd definitely be looking to hold onto are.

Ben Mee- I'm confident he will soon put pen to paper on a new deal, he seems settled at Burnley, and as much as we all love him, I can't see which other PL club would be genuinely interested in him, a true Clarets legend already, and I can see him finishing his playing days at Turf Moor, no matter which division we're in.

James Tarkowski- Naturally persuading him to stay with us would be a great coup, will he stick around?, a month ago I would have said no, but now I'm not so convinced he will move on, firstly where is he going to go in the PL, and be guaranteed regular footy, he might earn more money at say Leicester or West Ham, but will he command a first team spot game in game out, as he currently enjoys at Burnley.

Erik Pieters- I wouldn't be unhappy with keeping him, he's proved a mighty valuable asset to the squad, and his versatility is vital to us. But just as with RB this may be a position where the new owners want to bring in younger blood.

Matej Vydra- Another I'm still undecided on, he undoubtedly improves the way we play, but as with our other strikers outwith Wood, he simply doesn't contribute enough goals to the cause.

Your thoughts are most welcome on this subject, whether you agree or disagree with my views.

[DCWat]

Mee and Tarkowski. I’d hope to improve on all of the others with recruitment, but that’s a hell of a job and expensive too.

[claretfern]

Just Mee, Tarks & Vyds.

[KRBFC]

Bardsley - release, with Roberts in, we don't need 3 right backs.
Barnes - release, we could take up the option and keep him to sell but which Championship club is gonna fork out PL wages on 32 year old Barnes?
Lennon - release, wasn't good enough 2 years ago, nowhere near good enough now, waste of a wage.
Mee - keep, for obvious reasons.
Tarkowski - keep, if he'll stay which I think he will.
Pieters - keep, very good player imo, I'd have him starting in the team right now instead of Taylor, even though I prefer Taylor generally.
Vydra - keep, offers something as a 4th choice striker.
Rodriguez - release, reportedly on £50,000 a week, who on earth agreed to that?
Stephens, release, he'd be very lucky to get a club in League One from what I've seen, overweight, slow and useless. £40k p/w?



No wonder Rigg was sacked if he was involved in giving Stephens £40,000 a week and Rodriguez £50,000 a week, brilliant way to waste your limited resources.

[KRBFC]

Upon further consideration, I'd keep Barnes. Not one of the highest earners, a popular character, great servant, gives his absolute all, I wouldn't be surprised to see Barnes retire with us.

[ksrclaret]

A lot will depend on which league we find ourselves in.

[tiger76]

A lot will depend on which league we find ourselves in.

Well naturally it will, the above premise is based on us remaining in the PL, obviously if we should suffer relegation then it's a totally different premise.

[MACCA]

I'd keep Tarky if at all possible, although I think he might find 1 last pay day.

I'd try and get Mee tied another year after the option one is taken.

Vyds as he is different to thst we have, again a couple of years if possible

8F Erik will take a year on reduced terms I'd keep him for 1 more season as he is a solid pro, and means we can use and funds available to sort out the vital ends of the pitch.

As brutal as it sounds the rest could all walk for me, I dont think they're good enough to be regular premier league players now, certainly not for another 2 years.

[Quickenthetempo]

Tarky and Vydra if they will sign.

Will have to see if Mee improves his form before making a decision. Although a new contract might get us 5m from a championship club.
Some might think it's harsh but we rely on our two CHs being fully at it every game with how we play.

[Froobs]

Just Mee, Tarks & Vyds.

Snap

[kazza]

Keep:
Mee
Vydra

A possible keep:
Barnes
Jay

Would keep, but he'll follow the money and be off, so out of our hands:
Tarkowski

Let go:
Bardsley
Stephens
Pieters
Lennon

[AlargeClaret]

Taylor
Tarky
Mee- though he gets away with mistakes terrible distribution,no pace and no goals because he’s Ben Mee

The rest can all go , he’ll of a rebuild needed IF we survive

[PadihamThickNeck]

Phil Bardsley - I like him but we don’t need him now with having Roberts and Lowton, hopefully find a role for him coaching at the club.
Ashley Barnes - Tough one for me, great servant but the decline is there for all to see. Release.
Aaron Lennon - Release wasn’t good enough first time.
Ben Mee - No brainer. Keep.
Erik Pieters - Keep as back up to Taylor.
Jay Rodriguez - I’d get rid and free up his high wages. He’s not good enough for the Prem.
Dale Stephens - LOL GET RID
James Tarkowski - Keep him of corse that’s if we can, will no doubt be interest.
Matej Vydra - Keep as an option off the bench.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Can’t see Vydra being keen on signing a new one.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Can’t see Vydra being keen on signing a new one.

[KlyBfc]

Tarks and Mee

Jay is the toughest decision for me. I think he’s technically our best forward but he needs a run of games and that isn’t coming and in the games he gets he’s not showing enough to be stuck with. If he gets a run I think he’ll show what we saw 2 years ago and then he’s worth keeping. However if that doesn’t come then he may as well be released.

Not against Pieters and Barnes (if jay is not kept on as it’s one or other for me) as squad players, if they prove their worth / fitness at the back end of the season.

Vydra id be selling for anything I could get my hands on in Jan if not he’s gone for me in the summer.

The rest I think it will be time to go. With a thank you.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Tarks, Mee and Vydra, possibly Pieters.

We've already got the replacement in for Bards.

I'd hope one or two may move on in January with replacements coming in.

[DCWat]

Tarks, Mee and Vydra, possibly Pieters.

We've already got the replacement in for Bards.

I'd hope one or two may move on in January with replacements coming in.

It’ll be a hell of a job in the summer, if we don’t.

Usually, we’d probably be better dealing in the summer only. However, with the work required, that may be too much to expect in one window.

[Jimmymaccer]

Tarky, Mee and possibly Vyds who with the addition of Cornet maybe could show him (and others) in a better light……

[warksclaret]

For me Mee & if he wants to stay Tarkowski. Let all the others go and go for an overhaul of the team.Its been overdue

[Iloveyoubrady]

Phil Bardsley - can leave but don’t mind if he stays on reduced wages.
Ashley Barnes - let go
Aaron Lennon - see how he does this year - potentially keep as he is 4th choice and would mean there is less to do in summer window.
Ben Mee - keep - should be possible.
Erik Pieters - keep - should be easy enough.
Jay Rodriguez - see how he goes this year and maybe a year or two extension.
Dale Stephens - can go
James Tarkowski - keep if we can
Matej Vydra - extend if we can - and then sell if he wants out.

So the definite ones for me are Mee, Pieters and jay as they should be easily persuaded. That leaves us needing to sign a squad winger if Lennon goes, 1 or 2 new strikers depending on if Barnes and/or Vydra are let go. Then there is the obvious area to strengthen of cm with stephens gone and tarkowski may need replacing. We’d therefore need 4 or 5 signings next summer - with 2 first team players. That is a very possible evolution of the squad but it would be ideal to keep tarkowski and reduce the amount of work to do in the summer.

[Vegas Claret]

Mee and Tarks

[tarkys_ears]

Phil Bardsley - Go
Ashley Barnes - Cheap 1 year contract
Aaron Lennon - We'll have to see yet
Ben Mee - probably keep, 1 year maybe, would be looking for replacement.
Erik Pieters - Keep
Jay Rodriguez - 1 year cheap contract
Dale Stephens - should never have been here
James Tarkowski - keep
Matej Vydra - possibly 1 year contract - probably let go

[Elizabeth]

I hope Tarkowski, Mee , Vydra and Rodriguez are here next season .

[boatshed bill]

Keep if at all possible...Tarks
Keep on reduced terms...Mee
" Pieters
Sell in January........Vydra

Let the rest go

[Burnley1989]

Tarkowski - keep, if he'll stay which I think he will.

Do you really? Can’t be many in the world that do…

[Burnley1989]

Keep if at all possible...Tarks
Keep on reduced terms...Mee
" Pieters
Sell in January........Vydra

Let the rest go

Keep on reduced terms?
How do you explain that, he’s been superb

[Raggus]

Keep on reduced terms?
How do you explain that, he’s been superb

He has been superb, but he isn't getting younger, I'd offer him a 2/3 year deal at reduced terms, surely there comes a point where your earnings reduce. I'd imagine after say next season we would be looking to phase out if we are still in the prem.

[boatshed bill]

I think it's easy to overlook that the majority of squad players actually like it here.
I'm sure there are some who would love to stay here, even on reduced terms, rather than find a new club.

[Burnley1989]

He has been superb, but he isn't getting younger, I'd offer him a 2/3 year deal at reduced terms, surely there comes a point where your earnings reduce. I'd imagine after say next season we would be looking to phase out if we are still in the prem.

No chance mate, understand where you are coming from but the club captain isn’t going to take a pay cut whilst still performing at a top level, the club wouldnt even try, if anything it would go up

[boatshed bill]

No chance mate, understand where you are coming from but the club captain isn’t going to take a pay cut whilst still performing at a top level, the club wouldnt even try, if anything it would go up

You are probably right with that assessment.

[Raggus]

If the option of the extra year was taken he would be nearly 33. Personally, and as much as I love and admire him who else would pay him the same or more than what we do? Logically taking a 10k drop for an extra year on a contract would make sense for both parties.

[Fretters]

Vyds was superb with Wood last season and he was scoring goals too. I'd definitely keep him, the sooner he's back in the team the better for me.

I'd obviously keep Mee and Tarky too, if possible. I really like Pieters but we'll need a younger option by then.

[boatshed bill]

Vyds was superb with Wood last season and he was scoring goals too. I'd definitely keep him, the sooner he's back in the team the better for me.

I'd obviously keep Mee and Tarky too, if possible. I really like Pieters but we'll need a younger option by then.

Not superb, but quicker than our others.
I really wish he was a better finisher.

[tiger76]

Not superb, but quicker than our others.
I really wish he was a better finisher.

That's one aspect of his game that let's him down, sadly for a striker it's probably the most important aspect.

And even if Vyds could chip in with say half a dozen PL goals over the course of a season, that wouldn't half ease the burden on Wood, and yes I'm well aware our other forwards have been just as guilty of firing blanks in the past year also.

[beddie]

If we want to move the club forward we have to have a clear out when the opportunity arises. I would look at keeping just three. Mee, Tarky and Vyd.

[jrgbfc]

I'm not sure Vydra would sign a new deal anyway, particularly if he doesn't see much action this season.

[Peter Loo]

Phil Bardsley-keep.
Ashley Barnes-keep.
Aaron Lennon-release.
Ben Mee-keep.
Erik Pieters-keep.
Jay Rodriguez-keep as a squad player.
Dale Stephens-release.
James Tarkowski-keep.
Matej Vydra-keep.

[ClaretMov]

Phil Bardsley offer coaching role
Ashley Barnes release
Aaron Lennon 1 year deal
Ben Mee 3 year deal
Erik Pieters 1 year deal
Jay Rodriguez 1 year deal
Dale Stephens frigg off
James Tarkowski 5 year deal make him highest earner
Matej Vydra 3 year deal

[Herts Clarets]

We could realistically find ourselves at the end of the season with Chris Wood as our only striker, with the other 3 out of contract and potentially leaving. That is going to be a hell of a rebuilding job required next summer.

We have covered:
Bardsley with Roberts
Tarkowski with Collins though the next Roberts and Collins will need to be found.

I expect Mee and Pieters will stay, Lennon will go but with McNeil, Cornet and JBG we should have sufficient wide men and no one will notice whether Stephens leaves or not, given that he is in a permanent state of injured.

So the summer 2022 shopping list could read:

Striker x 3
Right back x 1
Centre back x 1
Central midfield x 1

6 incomings required to keep the squad at its current level. There could of course be players coming from the U23 side that could step up, which would reduce the need for signings but it will still be a challenging summer for me.

[AfloatinClaret]

Following on from the earlier post highlighting the salary/length of contract equation that the older players have to consider, I think that at the right price Erik Pieters is definitely worth keeping, if only as a last twenty minutes/can play anywhere substitute for a squad that still doesn't have and is unlikely ever to attain much 'strength in depth'; for the cost of one salary EP can provide third choice cover to a host of positions.
The Phil Bardsley player/coach idea seems a good one, again, at the right price.
Ashley Barnes would probably still command a wage/three year contract at a Championship/D1 club, but I think his days at this level are past, so definitely time to release
Aaron Lennon? We've yet to see what if anything he can contribute over the season; depending on this year, we either release or another moderate salary one year offer
Ben Mee remains the heart and soul of the side and worth another 3 year deal
Jay Rodriguez As Aaron Lennon, depending on performance this season then a further year, but certainy not at the salary we're currently paying him.
Dale Stephens; that one's never worked from the off, so we release and nobody beyond the wages dept will notice his leaving.
James Tarkowski Certainly worth another long-term deal at a top salary to us, but to be honest, I feel that with regard to the bigger/wealthier clubs JT's star has peaked and unless he produces a spectacular season, I don't think we'll be facing the same competition to keep him as we had a year or two ago.
I like Matej Vydra but all he offers is 'speed' and even that only relative to our own squad, by EPL standards, he's really not that quick and given the job that he's being paid for, he really doesn't and has never, scored enough goals and we've all seen him fluff some doozies; so we either sign him on a lower salary 3-year deal, with a view to providing cover and/or selling him, or if he won't agree, then release him.

It's really too early for definite decisions though, the impact/performance of this summer's signings will have a major impact; I can see Max Cornet being either a star or a disaster, but not just 'alright'; I hope it's the former.

[KRBFC]

Do you really? Can’t be many in the world that do…

He's not as good as he thinks he is, no other PL side came in for him when he was easy to get this summer. I think he'll realise, this is about as good as it will get for him unless he wants to take a step backwards. West Ham and Leicester both signed central defenders in the summer and neither even looked Tarks way, Zouma and Vestegaard were deemed better signings.

[taio]

He's not as good as he thinks he is, no other PL side came in for him when he was easy to get this summer. I think he'll realise, this is about as good as it will get for him unless he wants to take a step backwards. West Ham and Leicester both signed central defenders in the summer and neither even looked Tarks way, Zouma and Vestegaard were deemed better signings.

He wasn't easy to get. First the club were not prepared to let him go on the cheap. Second it's been reported Tarkowski has chosen to stay another year.

[KRBFC]

Phil Bardsley-keep.
Ashley Barnes-keep.
Aaron Lennon-release.
Ben Mee-keep.
Erik Pieters-keep.
Jay Rodriguez-keep as a squad player.
Dale Stephens-release.
James Tarkowski-keep.
Matej Vydra-keep.

£50,000 a week for Rodriguez to be a squad player???

[KRBFC]

He wasn't easy to get. First the club were not prepared to let him go on the cheap. Second it's been reported Tarkowski has chosen to stay another year.

He was absolutely easy to get, 1 year left on his deal, West Ham paid £25m-30m for Zouma, any kind of figure like that and the deal is done. The fact nobody even looked at Tarkowski all summer long shows you where he's at. He can blab all he wants in the media about ''wrestling back control of his own career and destiny'' but he's not getting in the England squad and PSG aren't interested.


he chose to stay here another year? he never had an option to leave....

[taio]

He was absolutely easy to get, 1 year left on his deal, West Ham paid £25m-30m for Zouma, any kind of figure like that and the deal is done. The fact nobody even looked at Tarkowski all summer long shows you where he's at. He can blab all he wants in the media about ''wrestling back control of his own career and destiny'' but he's not getting in the England squad and PSG aren't interested.


he chose to stay here another year? he never had an option to leave....

You've absolutely no idea whether the club would've done such a deal. We can only judge based on what has been reported. That is: the club would only sell for a substantial fee; Tarkowski was prepared to see out is current deal to benefit contractually from a free transfer; and the club rejected bids of circa £30m last summer so they clearly valued him but wasn't easy to get then either.

[Burnley1989]

He was absolutely easy to get, 1 year left on his deal, West Ham paid £25m-30m for Zouma, any kind of figure like that and the deal is done. The fact nobody even looked at Tarkowski all summer long shows you where he's at. He can blab all he wants in the media about ''wrestling back control of his own career and destiny'' but he's not getting in the England squad and PSG aren't interested.


he chose to stay here another year? he never had an option to leave....

Or I suspect it’s very likely he already knows where he is going this summer for free hence his agent isn’t touting him about. Most clubs would take him on a free

[ClaretAndBlue94]

Phil Bardsley - Releasing seems a given with the signing of Roberts.

Ashley Barnes (club has the option of another year) - Good servant but I think we need better. Same as when Vokes' time to leave was upon us.

Aaron Lennon - Release as hopefully a short term solution.

Ben Mee (who apparently has the option of another year should he want it - Happy with another 3 year deal.

Erik Pieters - Like to see him stay. Good pro and can cover just about anywhere on the pitch.

Jay Rodriguez - I would keep, although he isn't setting the world alight, we need depth.

Dale Stephens - Release.

James Tarkowski - We can live in hope.

Matej Vydra - Keep I think . I still see what could be a very good player. Maybe the fact I am saying that at the end of his contract tells a story in itself.

[Hedontplayforyou]

We have the following coming to the end of their present deals next summer.

Phil Bardsley
Ashley Barnes (club has the option of another year)
Aaron Lennon
Ben Mee (who apparently has the option of another year should he want it.
Erik Pieters
Jay Rodriguez
Dale Stephens
James Tarkowski
Matej Vydra

I think Bardsley will retire and we have that position sorted already anyway with Lowton and Roberts.

Release Lennon as I think he’s a stop gap signing until we get who we want next year.

Sign Ben Mee back on.
If Tarky has shown that he’s interested in staying then offer him a new deal 100%.

Possibly give Pieters another year as backup but if we are confident of a replacement then I wouldn’t be sad to see him go despite being a great servant whenever called upon. A top professional. Might be wise to keep someone like him on in that respect.
If we could recoup some cash for Jay in January this season that would be ideal, he’s on big wages and he’s slowed down too much for the Prem in my opinion. Hope he can perform for us for the remainder of his time here mind you, although I can see someone like Sheff Utd being interested in him come January.

Release Stephens.

Id keep Vydra if he wants to stay as he offered something different to the others.

Barnes - I think his time is up, gladly be proven wrong and I think we will need him this season sporadically but if we can find a taker then id wish him all the best and thanks for the memories .

All this being said it’s a big job to rebuild , would the club get two strikers in one window? Doubtful, but will Richardson be seen as good enough to challenge by then? Hopefully!

[KRBFC]

You've absolutely no idea whether the club would've done such a deal. We can only judge based on what has been reported. That is: the club would only sell for a substantial fee; Tarkowski was prepared to see out is current deal to benefit contractually from a free transfer; and the club rejected bids of circa £30m last summer so they clearly valued him but wasn't easy to get then either.

I'm pretty certain we'd have sold Tarkowski if West Ham came in at £25m this summer but you're right, I don't know 100% so lets just nit pick. Lets stick to what was reported then, zero offers were made for Tarkowski this summer, so why do you keep saying he chose to stay?

Of course he was prepared to stay here for the final year, he didn't have any other choice, he's contractually obliged to remain here for another year.....

Last summer doesn't matter, irrelevant point. His value dropped significantly since then.